JP6041350B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus, and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing method.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus that can generate an ultrasonic image showing in-vivo information non-invasively and display it in substantially real time. In diagnosis of heart disease, for example, heart wall motion information is quantitatively evaluated by echocardiography using an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  An important index value used for diagnosis of heart disease is left ventricular end diastolic pressure (EDP). EDP is an index value reflecting the dilatability of the heart (specifically, the stiffness of the left ventricle), and is an important diagnostic index in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. For example, a heart with a high EDP is known to have a poor prognosis. However, in order to accurately measure EDP, open cardiac catheterization is required, and cardiac catheterization, which is an invasive procedure, is not used in daily clinical practice.

  In daily clinical practice, “E / e ′” that can be measured by noninvasive echocardiography is used as an index value that can estimate EDP. “E / e ′” is widely known as an index value correlated with left ventricular filling pressure and EDP, and can be measured using a pulsed wave (PW) Doppler method. “E” corresponds to the early diastole wave height (wave height of the E wave) in the waveform in which the left ventricular inflow blood flow velocity is plotted along the cardiac phase. For example, measurement of “E” is performed by setting a range gate at the mitral valve mouth and collecting a blood flow PW Doppler waveform. Further, “e ′” corresponds to the wave height of the early diastole in the waveform in which the mitral valve annulus velocity is plotted along the cardiac phase. For example, “e ′” is measured by setting a range gate at the mitral valve annulus and collecting a tissue PW Doppler waveform. “E / e ′” is calculated as a ratio of “E” and “e ′”.

  In order to calculate “E / e ′”, it is necessary to measure both the left ventricular inflow blood velocity and the mitral annulus velocity. Conventionally, “E” and “e ′” are measured with separate heartbeats. However, the accuracy of “E / e ′” calculated from “E” and “e ′” measured at different heartbeats may be low. Therefore, in recent years, “E” and “e ′” at the same heart rate are simultaneously measured using a technique capable of collecting Doppler waveforms at two sites simultaneously by performing Doppler scanning by PW in a time-sharing manner. It is. However, “E / e ′” may not always be an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

JP 2009-39429 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing method capable of calculating an index value that accurately reflects left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an image acquisition unit, a volume information calculation unit, a wall motion information calculation unit, a time change rate calculation unit, an extreme value detection unit, and an index value calculation unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image data group generated by performing ultrasonic scanning of a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. The volume information calculation unit calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group. The wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group. The time change rate calculation unit calculates first time series data that is time series data of time change rate of volume information from the time series data of volume information, and calculates time of wall motion information from the time series data of wall motion information. Second time-series data that is time-series data of the change rate is calculated. The extreme value detection unit detects an extreme value in the early extension of the first time series data as a first extreme value, and detects an extreme value in the early extension of the second time series data as a second extreme value. The index value calculation unit calculates an index value using the first extreme value and the second extreme value.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image processing unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the image acquisition unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of three-dimensional speckle tracking. FIG. 5 is a diagram (1) for explaining the extreme value detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram (2) for explaining the extreme value detection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an experimental example in which the image processing analysis according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second modification according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an image acquisition unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of two-dimensional speckle tracking. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a volume information calculation unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15A is a diagram (1) for explaining the image acquisition unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram (2) for explaining the image acquisition unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16A is a diagram (1) for explaining the volume information calculation unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16B is a diagram (2) for explaining the volume information calculation unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasound probe 1, a monitor 2, an input device 3, an electrocardiograph 4, and a device body 10.

  The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, and the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from a transmission / reception unit 11 included in the apparatus main body 10 described later. The ultrasonic probe 1 receives a reflected wave from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal. The ultrasonic probe 1 includes a matching layer provided in the piezoelectric vibrator, a backing material that prevents propagation of ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric vibrator to the rear, and the like. The ultrasonic probe 1 is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 10.

  When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 1 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected one after another at the discontinuous surface of the acoustic impedance in the body tissue of the subject P, and the ultrasonic probe is used as a reflected wave signal. 1 is received by a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. Note that the reflected wave signal when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the moving blood flow or the surface of the heart wall depends on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction due to the Doppler effect. And undergoes a frequency shift.

  Here, the ultrasound probe 1 according to the first embodiment is an ultrasound probe capable of scanning the subject P in two dimensions with ultrasound and scanning the subject P in three dimensions. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the present embodiment scans the subject P two-dimensionally with a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators arranged in a line and moves the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators to a predetermined angle (swing). It is a mechanical 4D probe that scans the subject P three-dimensionally by swinging at a moving angle. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 1 according to the first embodiment is a 2D array probe capable of ultrasonically scanning the subject P in three dimensions by arranging a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in a matrix. . The 2D array probe can also scan the subject P in two dimensions by focusing and transmitting ultrasonic waves.

  The input device 3 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a button, a panel switch, a touch command screen, a foot switch, a trackball, a joystick, etc., receives various setting requests from an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, The various setting requests received are transferred. The setting information received from the operator by the input device 3 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail later.

  The monitor 2 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for an operator of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to input various setting requests using the input device 3, and displays an ultrasonic image generated in the apparatus main body 10. To do.

  The electrocardiograph 4 acquires an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the subject P as a biological signal of the subject P that is three-dimensionally scanned. The electrocardiograph 4 transmits the acquired electrocardiogram waveform to the apparatus main body 10.

  The apparatus main body 10 is an apparatus that generates ultrasonic image data based on a reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1. The apparatus main body 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that can generate two-dimensional ultrasonic image data based on two-dimensional reflected wave data received by the ultrasonic probe 1. The apparatus main body 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that can generate three-dimensional ultrasonic image data based on three-dimensional reflected wave data received by the ultrasonic probe 1. Hereinafter, the three-dimensional ultrasound image data may be referred to as “volume data”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus body 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, a B-mode processing unit 12, a Doppler processing unit 13, an image generation unit 14, an image memory 15, an internal storage unit 16, and an image processing unit. 17 and a control unit 18.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 includes a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, a pulser, and the like, and supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 1. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay unit generates a delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for focusing the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic probe 1 into a beam and determining transmission directivity. Give for each rate pulse. The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 1 at a timing based on the rate pulse. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the piezoelectric vibrator surface by changing the delay time given to each rate pulse.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 has a function capable of instantaneously changing a transmission frequency, a transmission drive voltage, and the like in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the control unit 18 described later. In particular, the change of the transmission drive voltage is realized by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit capable of instantaneously switching the value or a mechanism for electrically switching a plurality of power supply units.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 includes a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, an adder, and the like, and performs various processing on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1 to reflect Generate wave data. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel. The A / D converter A / D converts the amplified reflected wave signal. The reception delay unit gives a delay time necessary for determining the reception directivity. The adder performs an addition process on the reflected wave signal processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. By the addition processing of the adder, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal is emphasized, and a comprehensive beam for ultrasonic transmission / reception is formed by the reception directivity and the transmission directivity.

  The transmitter / receiver 11 transmits a two-dimensional ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 1 when the subject P is two-dimensionally scanned. Then, the transmission / reception unit 11 generates two-dimensional reflected wave data from the two-dimensional reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1. In addition, when the subject P is three-dimensionally scanned, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits a three-dimensional ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic probe 1. Then, the transmission / reception unit 11 generates three-dimensional reflected wave data from the three-dimensional reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 1.

  The form of the output signal from the transmission / reception unit 11 can be selected from various forms such as a signal including phase information called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal or amplitude information after envelope detection processing. Is possible.

  The B-mode processing unit 12 receives the reflected wave data from the transmission / reception unit 11, performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, and the like, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by brightness. .

  The Doppler processing unit 13 performs frequency analysis on velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception unit 11, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and obtains moving body information such as velocity, dispersion, and power. Data extracted for multiple points (Doppler data) is generated.

  Note that the B-mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13 according to the first embodiment can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the B-mode processing unit 12 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. The Doppler processing unit 13 generates two-dimensional Doppler data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

  The image generation unit 14 generates ultrasonic image data from the data generated by the B mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13. That is, the image generation unit 14 generates two-dimensional B-mode image data in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by luminance from the two-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12. Further, the image generation unit 14 generates two-dimensional Doppler image data representing moving body information from the two-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 13. The two-dimensional Doppler image data is a velocity image, a dispersion image, a power image, or an image obtained by combining these. Further, the image generation unit 14 can also generate a Doppler waveform in which blood flow and tissue velocity information is plotted in time series from the Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 13.

  Here, the image generation unit 14 generally converts (scan converts) a scanning line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scanning line signal sequence of a video format represented by a television or the like, and displays ultrasonic waves for display. Generate image data. Specifically, the image generation unit 14 generates ultrasonic image data for display by performing coordinate conversion in accordance with the ultrasonic scanning mode of the ultrasonic probe 1. In addition to the scan conversion, the image generation unit 14 performs various image processing, such as image processing (smoothing processing) for regenerating an average luminance image using a plurality of image frames after scan conversion, Image processing (edge enhancement processing) using a differential filter is performed in the image. In addition, the image generation unit 14 synthesizes character information, scales, body marks, and the like of various parameters with the ultrasound image data.

  That is, the B-mode data and Doppler data are ultrasonic image data before the scan conversion process, and the data generated by the image generation unit 14 is display ultrasonic image data after the scan conversion process. The B-mode data and the Doppler data are also called raw data (Raw Data).

  Further, the image generation unit 14 generates three-dimensional B-mode image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional B-mode data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12. Further, the image generation unit 14 generates three-dimensional Doppler image data by performing coordinate conversion on the three-dimensional Doppler data generated by the Doppler processing unit 13. In other words, the image generation unit 14 generates “three-dimensional B-mode image data or three-dimensional Doppler image data” as “three-dimensional ultrasound image data (volume data)”.

  Further, the image generation unit 14 performs a rendering process on the volume data in order to generate various two-dimensional image data for displaying the volume data on the monitor 2. The rendering process performed by the image generation unit 14 includes a process of generating MPR image data from volume data by performing a cross-section reconstruction method (MPR: Multi Planer Reconstruction). The rendering processing performed by the image generation unit 14 includes processing for performing “Curved MPR” on volume data and processing for performing “Maximum Intensity Projection” on volume data. The rendering processing performed by the image generation unit 14 includes volume rendering (VR) processing that generates two-dimensional image data reflecting three-dimensional information.

  The image memory 15 is a memory for storing image data for display generated by the image generation unit 14. The image memory 15 can also store data generated by the B-mode processing unit 12 and the Doppler processing unit 13. The B-mode data and Doppler data stored in the image memory 15 can be called by an operator after diagnosis, for example, and become ultrasonic image data for display via the image generation unit 14. The image generation unit 14 stores the volume data and the time of the ultrasonic scanning performed for generating the volume data in the image memory 15 in association with the electrocardiogram waveform transmitted from the electrocardiograph 4. To do. The image processing unit 17 and the control unit 18, which will be described later, can acquire a cardiac time phase at the time of ultrasonic scanning performed to generate volume data by referring to data stored in the image memory 15. .

  The internal storage unit 16 stores a control program for performing ultrasonic transmission / reception, image processing and display processing, diagnostic information (for example, patient ID, doctor's findings, etc.), various data such as a diagnostic protocol and various body marks. To do. The internal storage unit 16 is also used for storing image data stored in the image memory 15 as necessary. Data stored in the internal storage unit 16 can be transferred to an external device via an interface (not shown). The external device is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) used by a doctor who performs image diagnosis, a storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, a printer, or the like.

  The image processing unit 17 is installed in the apparatus main body 10 in order to perform computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). The image processing unit 17 acquires ultrasonic image data stored in the image memory 15 and performs image processing for diagnosis support. Then, the image processing unit 17 stores the image processing result in the image memory 15 or the internal storage unit 16. The processing performed by the image processing unit 17 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 18 controls the entire processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, the control unit 18 is based on various setting requests input from the operator via the input device 3 and various control programs and various data read from the internal storage unit 16. Controls the processing of the processing unit 12, Doppler processing unit 13, image generation unit 14, and image processing unit 17. Further, the control unit 18 controls the monitor 2 to display the ultrasonic image data for display stored in the image memory 15 and the internal storage unit 16. Further, the control unit 18 performs control so that the processing result of the image processing unit 17 is displayed on the monitor 2 or is output to an external device.

  The overall configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment calculates an index value instead of “E / e ′” that is used as an index value correlated with the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

  As described above, in order to calculate “E / e ′” that is conventionally used as an index value correlated with EDP, it is necessary to measure both the left ventricular inflow blood velocity and the mitral valve annulus velocity. Conventionally, “E” and “e ′” are measured with separate heartbeats. Alternatively, in order to increase the accuracy of “E / e ′”, “E” and “e ′” at the same heart rate are simultaneously measured using a technique capable of collecting Doppler waveforms at two sites simultaneously. It was. Here, the mitral valve annulus velocity is measured at one location or at two locations (usually, two locations on the septal side and the side wall side in the four-chamber cross section). In order to accurately measure the mitral annulus velocity, it is desirable that the mitral annulus velocity is measured at a plurality of sites in each of a plurality of cross sections.

  However, when collecting “E” and “e ′” at the same time, there is only one place where “e ′” can be measured. It is necessary to measure and inspection time becomes long. In addition, when “E” and “e ′” are measured with different heartbeats, “e ′” can be measured at two or more locations. However, if the number of measurement sites is increased, the examination time becomes longer. turn into.

  In the diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic ability using “E / e ′”, if “E / e ′” is less than “8”, diastolic ability is normal, and “E / e ′” is “15”. It is said that the ability to expand is abnormal. However, the cut-off value that is a criterion for normality / abnormality may not always be “15”, and generally a wide range of values from “8 to 22” has been used. The factors that increase the overlap between “8-22” and the cut-off are roughly divided into the following two factors.

  The first factor is that the measurement result of “E” and “e ′” performed by the Doppler method includes an error depending on the Doppler angle. In particular, in the case of “e ′” measured by the tissue Doppler method, if the movement direction of the valve annulus does not coincide with the scanning line direction, an error in the measurement result increases. For example, in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in which the left ventricle has a spherical shape, the movement direction of the annulus does not coincide with the scanning line direction, and the error of “e ′” may increase. In response to this, in recent years, the peak of the overall strain rate in the longitudinal direction at the early stage of expansion using 2D Speckle Tracking (hereinafter referred to as “2DT”). An index value corresponding to “E / e ′” is obtained by using the value as a value corresponding to “e ′”. In the speckle tracking method, since the Doppler method is not used for motion detection, the problem of Doppler angle dependency is eliminated. However, the above method cannot simultaneously measure “E” and “e ′” at the same heart rate.

  The second factor is that “E” is a global index of the heart wall, whereas “e ′” is a local partial index in the circumferential direction of the annulus, as described above. It is to be.

  Thus, “E / e ′” may not always be an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment calculates an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure by the function of the image processing unit 17 described below.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image processing unit according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing unit 17 according to the first embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 17a, a volume information calculation unit 17b, a wall motion information calculation unit 17c, a time change rate calculation unit 17d, It has an extreme value detection unit 17e and an index value calculation unit 17f.

  In the first embodiment, first, using the ultrasonic probe 1 capable of three-dimensional scanning, the operator can perform the operation on the left heart system of the heart of the subject P in a period of one heartbeat or more by, for example, the apex approach. Dimension scan. Thereby, the image generation unit 14 generates a plurality of three-dimensional ultrasound image data along a time series of a period of one heartbeat or more, and stores the generated data in the image memory 15. The plurality of three-dimensional ultrasound image data stored in the image memory 15 is a group of three-dimensional ultrasound image data generated by ultrasonically scanning a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. Note that the 3D ultrasound image data according to the first embodiment is 3D B-mode image data.

  And the image acquisition part 17a acquires the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group produced | generated by ultrasonically scanning the heart including at least the left ventricle in the period of 1 heartbeat or more. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the image acquisition unit according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image acquisition unit 17 a acquires a plurality of three-dimensional ultrasound image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats. Each three-dimensional ultrasound image data includes the left ventricle of the subject P.

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest in the left ventricle from the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time-series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the same three-dimensional ultrasound image data group.

  Specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs a volume information calculation process using a result of tracking the position of the first region of interest by a process including pattern matching between image data. The wall motion information calculation unit 17c performs wall motion information calculation processing using the result of tracking the position of the second region of interest by processing including pattern matching between image data.

  More specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b and the wall motion information calculation unit 17c perform three-dimensional speckle tracking (hereinafter referred to as “3DT speckle tracking”) for three-dimensional moving image data obtained by the three-dimensional echocardiography. ”) Is used to calculate volume information in the first region of interest and wall motion information in the second region of interest. The speckle tracking method is a method for estimating an accurate motion by using, for example, an optical flow method and various spatiotemporal interpolation processes together with a pattern matching process. In addition, the speckle tracking method includes a method for estimating motion without performing pattern matching processing. Below, the case where 3DT processing is performed by the volume information calculation part 17b is demonstrated. However, in the first embodiment, even when the 3DT processing is performed by the image acquisition unit 17a or the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, the processing unit (for example, the control unit 18) other than the image processing unit 17 performs the 3DT processing. It may be the case.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of three-dimensional speckle tracking. For example, the input device 3 receives a display request for the first frame (first volume) of the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group from the operator. The control unit 18 to which the display request has been transferred reads out the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data of the first frame from the image memory 15 and displays it on the monitor 2. For example, the control unit 18 causes the image generation unit 14 to generate a plurality of MPR image data obtained by cutting the first frame of the three-dimensional ultrasound image data at cross sections in a plurality of directions, and causes the monitor 2 to display the data.

  Then, the operator refers to the plurality of MPR image data displayed on the monitor and sets a plurality of tracking points for performing 3DT. As an example, the operator traces the positions of the left ventricular membrane and myocardial epicardium in each MPR image data. The volume information calculation unit 17b reconstructs a three-dimensional boundary surface from the traced inner membrane surface and outer membrane surface. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the volume information calculation unit 17 b sets a mesh composed of a plurality of rectangles with respect to the intimal surface of the first frame, and sets the vertices of each rectangle as tracking points. Although not shown, the volume information calculation unit 17b sets a mesh composed of a plurality of rectangles also on the outer membrane surface of the first frame, and sets the vertices of each rectangle as tracking points. Here, the volume information calculation unit 17b sets each tracking point on the inner membrane surface and each tracking point on the outer membrane surface as a pair. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b sets template data for each of the plurality of tracking points set in the first frame. The template data is composed of a plurality of voxels centered on the tracking point.

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b tracks the position where the template data has moved in the next frame by searching an area that most closely matches the speckle pattern of the template data between the two frames. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the volume information calculation unit 17b tracks to which position in the nth frame each tracking point in the first frame has moved. Note that the mesh for setting the tracking point may be set when the volume information calculating unit 17b detects the intima surface or the epicardium surface of the left ventricle included in the first frame.

  The volume information calculation unit 17b performs 3DT on the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group using the entire left ventricle (for example, the intima of the left ventricle and the epicardium of the left ventricle) as the first region of interest. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates a lumen volume (V) surrounded by the intimal surface of the left ventricle with each volume data from the 3DT result of the intima. Thereby, the volume information calculation part 17b produces | generates the time series data over the period more than one cardiac cycle of lumen volume (V). The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the volume inside the outer membrane from the 3DT result of the outer membrane. Thereby, the volume information calculation part 17b produces | generates the time series data over the period more than one cardiac cycle of the volume inside an outer membrane. As will be described later, in the first embodiment, the time derivative of the lumen volume (V) is used as a value corresponding to the left ventricular inflow blood flow velocity.

  Then, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c generates time series data over a period of one cardiac cycle or more of the wall motion information from the 3DT result for the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group. As will be described later, in the first embodiment, time differentiation of wall motion information is used as a value corresponding to the mitral valve annulus velocity. Hereinafter, a specific example of the wall motion information calculated from the 3DT result and the second region of interest will be described.

  For example, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates strain as wall motion information from the results of 3DT of the intima and outer membrane. The wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates strain (LS) in the long axis direction, strain (CS) in the circumferential direction (CS), and strain (RS) in the wall thickness (Radial) direction.

  Alternatively, for example, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates an area change ratio (AC) of the left ventricular membrane surface as wall motion information from the result of 3DT of the intima. From the viewpoint of a value corresponding to the mitral valve annulus velocity, LS is suitable for the wall motion information. From the viewpoint of the value corresponding to the change in the lumen volume (V), AC is preferable as the wall motion information.

  Alternatively, for example, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c may calculate a displacement from the result of 3DT of the intima or epicardium. The time derivative of the displacement can also be used as a value corresponding to the mitral annulus velocity. When displacement is used as the wall motion information, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c can calculate displacement in the major axis direction (LD) and displacement in the wall thickness direction (RD). Alternatively, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates the movement distance (Absolute Displacement: AD) of the tracking point in a time phase other than the reference phase with respect to the position of the tracking point in the reference time phase (for example, R wave). Also good.

  “Distortion, area change rate, and displacement” is wall motion information obtained by using speckle tracking technology, and since the movement of the myocardium can be tracked, it can be defined in a local region. In particular, the “distortion and area change rate” is known as an advantage over “displacement” in that the expansion and contraction information of the local myocardium excluding the influence of “translation” which is the movement of the entire heart is obtained.

  Here, even when the wall motion information calculating unit 17c calculates the wall motion information (overall wall motion information) of the entire left ventricle as the wall motion information in the second region of interest, the wall in the second region of interest is calculated. It may be a case where wall motion information (local wall motion information) of the annulus portion of the left ventricle is calculated as motion information. For example, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates local wall motion information using a divided region recommended by the American Echocardiographic Society or the American Heart Association.

  When the second region of interest is the entire left ventricle, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates the wall motion information of all the divided regions, and averages all the calculated wall motion information, so that the wall of the entire left ventricle Calculate exercise information.

  When the second region of interest is the left ventricular annulus (mitral annulus), the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, for example, at the base level, the front wall, the side wall, the rear wall, the lower wall, and the septum Then, the wall motion information of each of the anterior septum and the wall motion information of the left ventricle is calculated by averaging the calculated six wall motion information.

  From the viewpoint of the value corresponding to the change in the lumen volume (V), “local wall motion information of the septum”, “average of wall motion information of the septum and side walls”, etc. Rather than using “wall motion information”, it is preferable to use overall wall motion information such as “the entire intimal surface” and “the entire annulus portion”. The “wall motion information of the entire annulus region” is local wall motion information for the left ventricle, but is overall wall motion information for the annulus.

  For example, when LS, CS, RS, or RD is used as the wall motion information, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates the average value of the entire left ventricle for the values in the local region. Or when using AC, the wall motion information calculation part 17c calculates the average value of the whole left ventricle about the value in a local region, or the area change rate in the whole intimal surface. Moreover, when using LD and AD, it is suitable for the wall motion information calculation part 17c to calculate the average value of the whole annulus part.

  The information calculated as the wall motion information may be set by the operator via the input device 3 or may be initially set.

  Then, the time change rate calculation unit 17d illustrated in FIG. 2 calculates first time series data that is time series data of the time change rate of the volume information from the time series data of the volume information. Further, the time change rate calculation unit 17d illustrated in FIG. 2 calculates second time series data that is time series data of the time change rate of the wall motion information from the time series data of the wall motion information. Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e illustrated in FIG. 2 detects the extreme value in the early expansion of the first time series data as the first extreme value, and the extreme value in the early expansion of the second time series data is the second extreme value. Detect as. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the extreme value detection unit according to the first embodiment.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows a graph plotting time series data of the lumen volume (V, unit: mL) calculated by the volume information calculation unit 17b by a broken line, and the left chamber calculated by the wall motion information calculation unit 17c. A graph in which time series data of the area change rate (AC, unit:%) of the entire film is plotted is shown by a solid line. The lower diagram of FIG. 5 is a graph plotting the time series data of the lumen volume time change rate (dV / dt, unit: mL / s) calculated by the time change rate calculation unit 17d as the first time series data. A solid line represents a graph plotted with time-series data of the time change rate (ACR: AC Rate, unit: 1 / s) of the area change rate calculated by the time change rate calculation unit 17d as the second time-series data by the broken line. ing. In FIG. 5, the ECG acquired from the electrocardiograph 4 is also shown.

  In the case illustrated in FIG. 5, the extreme value detection unit 17 e detects the peak value “(dV / dt) e” of “dV / dt” as the first extreme value in the extended early time phase. Here, “e” indicates “early diastole”. In the case illustrated in FIG. 5, the extreme value detection unit 17 e detects the peak value “SRe” of “ACR” as the second extreme value in the extended early time phase. Here, “e” indicates “early diastole” as described above. “SR” indicates “strain rate”. As described above, AC is a form of wall motion information.

  The extreme value detection unit 17e first determines an end systole (ES) in the time series data in order to detect a peak value in the early diastole. As a method for determining ES, a method is known in which the time (AVC) during which the aortic valve of the subject P is closed is measured in advance as the ejection period in the left ventricular outflow blood flow measurement, and the measurement result is referred to. . Alternatively, as a method for determining ES, a method of measuring the time of the second sound using a heart sound diagram is known. In the first embodiment, these methods may be used, but these methods require separate measurement for determining the ES.

  Therefore, the extreme value detection unit 17e according to the first embodiment performs the following estimation process in order to easily determine ES without performing measurement. When detecting the first extreme value, the extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the time phase of the early expansion in the first time series data using the time phase in which the volume information is minimized.

  For example, as illustrated in the upper diagram of FIG. 5, the extreme value detection unit 17e detects a time phase in which “V” is minimum in the graph plotting the time series data of the lumen volume as “ES”. Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e searches for a candidate for the maximum value of “dV / dt” using the time period detected as “ES” to the end diastole (ED) as a search period. In this search period, two maximum values of an early diastole E wave accompanying left ventricular dilatation and a late diastole A wave accompanying atrial contraction appear as candidates.

  The extreme value detection unit 17e detects, as “(dV / dt) e”, a local maximum value close to the time phase detected as “ES” out of the two maximum values. In the case illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 5, the extreme value detection unit 17e detects “dV / dt” at time “t1” as “(dV / dt) e”.

  Then, when detecting the second extreme value, the extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the time phase of the early expansion in the second time series data using the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected. Here, in general, the time when “dV / dt” peaks and the time when “SR” peaks do not necessarily match. For this reason, the extreme value detection unit 17e detects, as the second extreme value, the temporal change rate of the wall motion information that peaks at the time phase closest to the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected. In the case illustrated in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the extreme value detection unit 17e detects “ACR” at time “t2” that peaks at the time closest to time “t1” as “SRe”.

  When the wall motion information is “RS” or “displacement”, the polarity in the diastole is “negative”, and when the wall motion information is information other than “RS” and “displacement”, the polarity in the diastole is “Positive”. The extreme value detection unit 17e selects whether the peak value to be searched is positive or negative according to the polarity of the peak value to be searched.

  In myocardial ischemia, it is known that specific contraction called PSS (post systolic shortening) occurs. When PSS occurs, multiple “SR” peaks may appear early in the expansion. Therefore, the extreme value detection unit 17e may detect “SR” that is the maximum peak value within a predetermined time range including the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected as “SRe”. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the extreme value detection unit 17 e sets a time range ““ t1−dT ”to“ t1 + dT ”” for the time “t1” when “(dV / dt) e” is detected. . Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the extremum detection unit 17e sets “SRe” as “SRe” for the time “t2” in which “SR” is maximum in “t1−dT” to “t1 + dT”. Detect as.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates an index value using the first extreme value and the second extreme value. For example, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates a ratio “(dV / dt) e / SRe” between “(dV / dt) e” and “SRe” as an index value. That is, in the first embodiment, “(dV / dt) e” is used as “E”, and “SRe” is used as “e ′”. In the first embodiment, instead of “E / e ′”, “(dV / dt) e / SRe” is calculated as an index value corresponding to EDP. The index value “(dV / dt) e / SRe” is displayed on the monitor 2 or output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18.

  Here, the volume information calculation unit 17b may further calculate a left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) from time-series data of volume information. EF is a value defined by left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume. Therefore, the volume information calculation unit 17b can calculate the EF by acquiring the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and the left ventricular end-systolic volume from the time-series data of the volume information.

The volume information calculation unit 17b may further calculate the myocardial weight from the time series data of the volume information. As described above, as the first region of interest, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs 3DT of the outer membrane surface together with the inner membrane surface, and time-series data over a period of one cardiac cycle or more of the volume surrounded by the outer membrane surface Is generated. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates “myocardial volume (mL)” by subtracting the lumen volume from the volume inside the outer membrane of the same time phase. Then, the volume information calculating unit 17b calculates “myocardial weight (g)” by multiplying “myocardial volume (mL)” by an average myocardial density value (for example, 1.05 g / mL). The volume information calculation unit 17b further calculates “Mass-Index (g / m ² )” by normalizing “myocardial weight (g)” with “body surface area (BSA) (m ² )”. May be.

  The left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial volume, myocardial weight, Mass-Index, and the like calculated by the volume information calculating unit 17b are displayed on the monitor 2 and output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18 together with the index value. To do.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an experimental example in which the image processing analysis according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 7 is an example of a result of applying the above analysis method to an experimental animal (dog). The vertical axis of the graph of FIG. 7 is “(dV / dt) e / SRe” calculated by the above method when the peak value of AC time differentiation (ACR) of the global intima is used as SRe. . In FIG. 7, “(dV / dt) e / SRe” is indicated as “dQ / de ′”. The unit of “dQ / de ′” has a volume dimension of “[mL] = [mL / s] / [1 / s]”. Moreover, the horizontal axis of the graph of FIG. 7 shows the measured left atrial pressure (LAP, unit: mmHg) measured using a cardiac catheter. Note that LAP substantially matches the left ventricular filling pressure. As illustrated in FIG. 7, it is proved by the correlation coefficient “R ² = 0.83” that the index value calculated according to the present embodiment correlates well with LAP.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment determines whether or not a three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group to be processed is specified and an index value calculation request is accepted (step). S101). Here, when an index value calculation request is not received (No in step S101), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus waits until an index value calculation request is received.

  On the other hand, when an index value calculation request is received (Yes at Step S101), the image acquisition unit 17a acquires the designated three-dimensional ultrasound image data group (Step S102). Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs a three-dimensional speckle tracking process on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group (step S103).

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time series data of the lumen volume (V) (step S104), and the time change rate calculation unit 17d performs time differentiation with respect to the time series data of the lumen volume (V). The time series data (first time series data) of the time change rate (dV / dt) of the lumen volume is calculated by performing the conversion according to (Step S105). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “(dV / dt) e” at the early stage of expansion of dV / dt as the first extreme value (step S106). In addition, in step S106, the extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the time phase of the early expansion in the first time series data using the time phase in which the lumen volume is minimized.

  In parallel with the processing of steps S104 to S106, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time series data of the wall motion information (S) (step S107), and the time change rate calculation unit 17d performs the wall motion information. The time series data (second time series data) of the time change rate (SR) of the wall motion information is calculated by performing time differential conversion on the time series data of the information (S) (step S108). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “SRe” in the early expansion of SR as the second extreme value (step S109). It should be noted that the extreme value detection unit 17e performs the process of step S109 after performing step S106, using the detected time phase of the first extreme value.

  Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value “(dV / dt) e / SRe” (step S110), outputs the index value under the control of the control unit 18 (step S111), and ends the process. .

  As described above, in the first embodiment, volume information and wall motion information at the same heartbeat are obtained from the same three-dimensional moving image data (three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group) using the spec tracking technique instead of the Doppler method. And get. In the first embodiment, the time series data of the time change rate of the volume information and the time series data of the time change rate of the wall motion information in the same heartbeat are acquired. Here, assuming that the area of the mitral annulus does not change in the diastole, the wave height “(dV / dt) e” in the early diastole of “dV / dt” is proportional to the wave height of the E wave of the left ventricular inflow velocity. I think that. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the peak value “(dV / dt) e” of the time-series data of the time change rate of the volume information is detected as a value corresponding to “E” conventionally obtained by the Doppler method. To do. In the first embodiment, the peak value “SRe” of the time series data of the time change rate of the wall motion information is detected as a value corresponding to “e ′” conventionally obtained by the Doppler method.

  Patients with actual heart disease have a high rate of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and extrasystole. In the measurement of “E / e ′”, the arrhythmia affects both the values of “E” and “e ′”, and therefore, in order to measure accurately, the simultaneity of both is necessary.

  In the first embodiment, since “(dV / dt) e” and “SRe” are obtained from data of the same heart rate, even when an arrhythmia occurs, “(dV / dt) e / SRe” is accurately It is considered that the index value reflects EDP. That is, the denominator value and the numerator value of “(dV / dt) e / SRe” are values in which simultaneity is ensured.

  Further, as described above, in the first embodiment, the Doppler method is not used for acquiring wall motion information. In the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain information on the entire left ventricle at a time and obtain overall wall motion information (wall motion information on the entire left ventricle and wall motion information on the entire annulus). .

  Thus, in the first embodiment, there is no error due to the dependence of the Doppler angle in the wall motion information when calculating the index value. In the first embodiment, a value corresponding to “e ′” can be calculated from a plurality of pieces of local wall motion information. In the first embodiment, two values corresponding to “E” and “e ′” can be calculated with the same heart rate. Therefore, in the first embodiment, an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure can be calculated.

  In the first embodiment, the above-described index value may be calculated by two modified examples described below. Hereinafter, a modification according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first modification according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second modification according to the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of volume information using 2DT instead of 3DT. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the volume information calculation unit 17 b sets a plurality of cross sections that are orthogonal to the long axis direction with respect to the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data (first frame). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the volume information calculation unit 17b includes a closed curve (M1 to M6...) That forms the outer membrane and a closed curve (m1 to m6...) That forms the inner membrane in each cross section. Set the tracking point. Thereby, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs 2DT on a plurality of cross sections on the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group.

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b obtains data corresponding to the result of the 3DT process by spatially interpolating and synthesizing the result of the 2DT process in a plurality of cross sections. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time series data of the lumen volume (V) using the acquired data. In this modification, it is preferable to use global CS as wall motion information. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time series data of the wall motion information using data obtained by spatially interpolating and synthesizing the result of the 2DT processing by the volume information calculation unit 17b. Even in this modification, an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure can be calculated. In addition to the MPR short-axis image described above, a plurality of MPR long-axis images may be used as the directions of the plurality of cross sections in this modification.

  In the second modification, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time series data of volume information by a method other than the speckle tracking technique. Specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs a volume information calculation process using the result of detecting the position of the lumen boundary as the first region of interest. More specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b identifies the position of the left ventricular membrane surface as illustrated in FIG. 10 using a known automatic contour detection technique such as edge detection related to the image luminance distribution ( (See the hatched area in the figure). Thereby, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of the lumen volume (V). The automatic contour detection process may be performed by a processing unit other than the volume information calculation unit 17b.

  In the second modification, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c performs wall motion information calculation processing using the result of detecting the position of the myocardial region as the second region of interest. The wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates the wall motion information using the automatic contour detection result performed by the volume information calculation unit 17b. In such a case, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c preferably calculates the global area change rate (AC) of the entire intima surface from the position information of the left ventricular membrane surface as the wall motion information for detecting SRe. It is. In the process performed in this modification, the process in step S102 shown in FIG. 8 is replaced with an automatic contour detection process. Even in this modification, an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure can be calculated.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the above-described index value is calculated using a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group.

  Note that the image processing unit 17 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the image processing unit 17 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. However, in the second embodiment, the processing targets of the image acquisition unit 17a, the volume information calculation unit 17b, and the wall motion information calculation unit 17c are a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group as will be described below.

  The frame rate (volume rate) when collecting the collection of the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group by performing the three-dimensional scan is, for example, about 20 to 30 frames per second, and the collected three-dimensional ultrasound image data group The time resolution of becomes low. For this reason, variations may occur in the time phase at which the first extreme value or the second extreme value is detected, or the first extreme value or the second extreme value may be underestimated. In addition, it is possible to increase the time resolution by widening the interval between the scanning lines, but in such a case, the spatial resolution (azimuth resolution) is relatively lowered as compared with the two-dimensional scanning.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, first, the operator performs a two-dimensional scan of a predetermined cross section of the left heart system of the heart of the subject P in a period of one heartbeat or more by, for example, the apex approach. Thereby, the image generation unit 14 generates a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic image data along a time series of a period of one heartbeat or more, and stores it in the image memory 15. The plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data stored in the image memory 15 is a two-dimensional ultrasound image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a predetermined cross section of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. is there. Note that the two-dimensional ultrasound image data according to the second embodiment is two-dimensional B-mode image data. Further, the second embodiment may be a case where two-dimensional scanning is performed using the ultrasonic probe 1 that is a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe, or the ultrasonic probe 1 dedicated to two-dimensional scanning is used. It may be the case.

  Then, the image acquisition unit 17a according to the second embodiment acquires a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a predetermined cross section of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. . Here, the predetermined cross section is a cross section for taking a long-axis image. In the second embodiment, apical four-chamber view (hereinafter referred to as A4C), apical two-chamber view (apical two-chamber view, Hereinafter, either A2C) or apical long-axis view (hereinafter, A3C) is used.

  Then, the image acquisition unit 17a according to the second embodiment generates the ultrasound by scanning a predetermined cross section (A4C plane, A3C plane, or A2C plane) of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. The obtained two-dimensional ultrasound image data group is acquired. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an image acquisition unit according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the image acquisition unit 17 a acquires, for example, a plurality of A4C plane image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats.

  The volume information calculation unit 17b according to the second embodiment calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest in the left ventricle from the two-dimensional ultrasound image data group. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the second embodiment calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the two-dimensional ultrasound image data group.

  Specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the second embodiment uses the result of tracking the position of the first region of interest by a process including pattern matching between two-dimensional ultrasound image data, and Perform the calculation process. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the second embodiment calculates the wall motion information using the result of tracking the position of the second region of interest by the process including pattern matching between the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data. Perform processing.

  That is, in the second embodiment, a two-dimensional speckle tracking process is performed. Hereinafter, a case where the 2DT process is performed by the volume information calculation unit 17b will be described. However, in the second embodiment, even when the 2DT processing is performed by the image acquisition unit 17a or the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, the processing unit (for example, the control unit 18) other than the image processing unit 17 performs the 2DT processing. It may be the case.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of two-dimensional speckle tracking. For example, the input device 3 receives a display request for the first frame of the two-dimensional ultrasound image data group from the operator. The control unit 18 to which the display request is transferred reads out the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data of the first frame from the image memory 15 and displays it on the monitor 2.

  Then, the operator refers to the two-dimensional ultrasound image data displayed on the monitor 2 and sets a plurality of tracking points for performing 2DT. For example, the operator traces the positions of the left ventricular membrane and the myocardial epicardium in the two-dimensional ultrasound image data. The volume information calculation unit 17b reconstructs a two-dimensional boundary surface from the traced inner membrane surface and outer membrane surface. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the volume information calculation unit 17b sets a plurality of tracking points to be paired on each of the inner membrane surface and the outer membrane surface of the first frame. The volume information calculation unit 17b sets template data for each of the plurality of tracking points set in the first frame. The template data is composed of a plurality of pixels centered on the tracking point.

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b tracks the position where the template data has moved in the next frame by searching an area that most closely matches the speckle pattern of the template data between the two frames. The tracking point may be set when the volume information calculation unit 17b detects the intimal surface or the epicardial surface of the left ventricle included in the first frame.

  The volume information calculation unit 17b then calculates the lumen volume (V) from the contour of the two-dimensional image by using the “Area-Length method” or “disc summation method (Simpson method)” that estimates the three-dimensional lumen shape. To calculate approximately. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a volume information calculation unit according to the second embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs the disk summation method, and calculates time-series data approximating the lumen volume. When performing the disk summation method, the volume information calculation unit 17b equally divides the A4C image into 20 disks perpendicular to the long axis (L), as shown in FIG. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the distance between the two points where the i-th disk intersects the intima surface (see _ai in the figure). Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the volume information calculation unit 17b approximates the three-dimensional shape of the lumen in the i-th disk as a slice of a cylinder having a diameter “ai”. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the sum of the volumes of the 20 cylinders as volume information approximating the lumen volume. Thereby, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of volume information.

  The "Area-Length method" assumes that the left ventricle is a spheroid and calculates the left ventricular short axis length from the measurement results of the left ventricular area including the left ventricular long axis and the left ventricular long axis length. Thus, the approximate value of the lumen volume is calculated. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the left chamber lumen short axis length by measuring the left chamber lumen area and the left chamber lumen long axis length from the 2DT processing result, and calculates volume information approximating the lumen volume. To do.

  Since the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the second embodiment uses a two-dimensional long-axis image, the type of wall motion information includes distortion in the long-axis direction (LS) and displacement in the long-axis direction (LD). Any one of the moving distance (AD), displacement in the wall thickness direction (RD), or “Transverse (TS)” which is the wall thickness change rate in the long axis image is calculated. From the viewpoint of a value corresponding to the mitral valve annulus velocity, it is preferable to use LS or LD parallel to the long axis direction.

  In addition, since the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the second embodiment uses a two-dimensional long axis image, the definition region of the wall motion information is LS, TS, and RD. An overall average value is calculated, and in LD and AD, it is preferable to calculate an average value of the two divided regions of the left and right annulus parts.

  In the second embodiment, the calculation process performed by the time change rate calculation unit 17d, the detection process performed by the extreme value detection unit 17e, and the calculation process performed by the index value calculation unit 17f are the same as those in the first embodiment. . The index value is displayed on the monitor 2 or output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18.

  Further, the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the second embodiment may further calculate the left ventricular ejection fraction from the time series data of the lumen volume calculated by approximation. In addition, the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the second embodiment further calculates a myocardial volume, a myocardial weight, and a Mass-Index by calculating an approximate value of the volume inside the outer membrane from the 2DT processing result. You may do it. The left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial volume, myocardial weight, Mass-Index, and the like calculated by the volume information calculating unit 17b are displayed on the monitor 2 and output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18 together with the index value. To do.

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment determines whether or not a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group to be processed is designated and an index value calculation request is accepted (step). S201). Here, when the index value calculation request is not received (No in step S201), the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus waits until the index value calculation request is received.

  On the other hand, when an index value calculation request is received (Yes at Step S201), the image acquisition unit 17a acquires the designated two-dimensional ultrasound image data group (Step S202). Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs a two-dimensional speckle tracking process on the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group (step S203).

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time series data of the lumen volume (V) by approximation (step S204), and the time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates the time series data of the lumen volume (V). Then, time series data (first time series data) of the lumen volume time change rate (dV / dt) is calculated by performing conversion by time differentiation (step S205). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “(dV / dt) e” at the early stage of expansion of dV / dt as the first extreme value (step S206). In addition, in step S206, the extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the time phase of the early expansion in the first time series data using the time phase in which the lumen volume is minimized.

  In parallel with the processing of steps S204 to S206, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time series data of the wall motion information (S) (step S207), and the time change rate calculation unit 17d performs the wall motion information. Time series data (second time series data) of the time change rate (SR) of the wall motion information is calculated by performing time differential conversion on the time series data of the information (S) (step S208). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “SRe” in the early expansion of SR as the second extreme value (step S209). In addition, after performing step S206, the extreme value detection unit 17e performs the process of step S209 using the detected time phase of the first extreme value.

  Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value “(dV / dt) e / SRe” (step S210), outputs the index value under the control of the control unit 18 (step S211), and ends the process. .

  As described above, in the second embodiment, both the time resolution and the spatial resolution are improved by using the two-dimensional moving image data as compared with the first embodiment using the three-dimensional moving image data. In the two-dimensional scanning, moving image data of about 60 to 80 fps (frame per second) can be acquired even if the scanning line interval is set sufficiently fine and the azimuth resolution is increased compared to the three-dimensional scanning. For this reason, in 2nd Embodiment, dispersion | variation arises in the time phase in which a 1st extreme value or a 2nd extreme value is detected, and it avoids that a 1st extreme value or a 2nd extreme value is underestimated. be able to.

  However, in the second embodiment, since the wall motion information is estimated from information on one cross section, the value corresponding to “e ′” is spatially limited as compared with the first embodiment. There is a restriction that it can only be obtained from the region. In addition, there is a case where an error resulting from the estimation of the volume value serving as the basis from the two-dimensional section is included in the value corresponding to “E”.

  The method described in the second embodiment using the two-dimensional moving image data with high temporal resolution is preferably applied when it is important to ensure the synchronism between the denominator and the numerator for calculating the index value. is there. Specifically, in the case where the heartbeat period is not constant, such as atrial fibrillation, since the simultaneity of the values corresponding to “E” and “e ′” is important, the method described in the second embodiment is performed. Can function effectively.

  In the second embodiment, as in the second modification according to the first embodiment, an automatic contour detection technique may be applied instead of the 2DT process. In this case, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates, as “LS”, the overall rate of change of the entire length of the intima from the position information of the left ventricular contour as the wall motion information used for calculating the index value. Is preferred. In the process performed in this modification, the process in step S202 shown in FIG. 14 is replaced with an automatic contour detection process.

Furthermore, in this modified example, an index value correlated with EDP can be provided even if information on a lumen area surrounded by an outline is used as an index value numerator instead of a lumen volume. In this case, assuming that the wall motion information is Strain Rate (unit: 1 / s), the unit of the index value finally obtained has a dimension of “cm ² ”.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the above-described index value is calculated using a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups.

  Note that the image processing unit 17 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the image processing unit 17 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. However, in the third embodiment, the processing targets of the image acquisition unit 17a, the volume information calculation unit 17b, and the wall motion information calculation unit 17c are a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups as described below.

  In the third embodiment, first, the operator performs two-dimensional scanning of each of a plurality of cross sections as a predetermined cross section of the left heart system of the heart of the subject P, for example, in a period of one heartbeat or more by the apex approach. For example, the operator may select two or more cross sections selected from a cross section for the apex four-chamber image (A4C), a cross section for the apex two-chamber image (A2C), and a cross section for the apex long-axis image (A3C). Are sequentially scanned over a period of one heartbeat or more. Accordingly, the image generation unit 14 generates a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data and a plurality of slices along a time series of a period of one heartbeat or more, and stores the generated data in the image memory 15. A plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data for each of the plurality of slices stored in the image memory 15 are a plurality of two-dimensional images generated by ultrasonically scanning each of a plurality of slices of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. It is an ultrasound image data group. Note that the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data according to the third embodiment is collected by using the ultrasonic probe 1 dedicated to two-dimensional scanning.

  Then, the image acquisition unit 17a according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic image data groups generated by ultrasonically scanning each of a plurality of cross sections of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more. To get. The image acquisition unit 17a acquires a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic image data groups corresponding to each of a plurality of cross sections as a predetermined cross section.

  FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are diagrams for explaining an image acquisition unit according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15A, the image acquisition unit 17a acquires, for example, a plurality of A4C image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats and a plurality of A2C image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats. To do.

  Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, the image acquisition unit 17a may include, for example, a plurality of A4C image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats, and a plurality of A3C image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats. A plurality of A2C image data along a time series of one or more heartbeats is acquired.

  The volume information calculation unit 17b according to the third embodiment calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest in the left ventricle from a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the third embodiment calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups.

  Specifically, the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the third embodiment tracks the position of the first region of interest by processing including pattern matching between two-dimensional ultrasonic image data, as in the second embodiment. Using the result, volume information calculation processing is performed. Further, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the second embodiment tracks the position of the second region of interest by processing including pattern matching between two-dimensional ultrasonic image data, as in the second embodiment. Is used to calculate wall motion information.

  That is, in the third embodiment, two-dimensional speckle tracking processing is performed on each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups. Hereinafter, a case where the 2DT process is performed by the volume information calculation unit 17b will be described. However, in the third embodiment, even when the 2DT processing is performed by the image acquisition unit 17a or the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, the processing unit (for example, the control unit 18) other than the image processing unit 17 performs the 2DT processing. It may be the case.

  Here, when the ultrasonic probe 1 dedicated to two-dimensional scanning is used, in the third embodiment, the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data groups of each cross section are individually collected at different times. Therefore, for example, the volume information calculation unit 17b arranges each two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group with the R wave or P wave as the reference time phase and the two-dimensional ultrasonic image data of the R wave or P wave as the head. Thereby, for example, the volume information calculation unit 17b substantially matches the time phases of the A4C ultrasonic image data group and the A2C ultrasonic image data group in time series. Note that the volume information calculation unit 17b has a two-dimensional ultrasound image in which the R wave interval, the P wave interval, or the shape of the ECG substantially match each other in order to substantially match the time phases of the respective two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups. The data group may be selected from each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups. Further, even when the processing for matching the time phases is performed by the image acquisition unit 17a and the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, it is performed by a processing unit (for example, the control unit 18) other than the image processing unit 17. It may be. However, the third embodiment may be a case where two-dimensional scanning of a plurality of cross sections is simultaneously performed using the ultrasonic probe 1 which is a 2D array probe. In such a case, in the third embodiment, it is not necessary to perform processing for time phase matching.

  The volume information calculation unit 17b according to the third embodiment obtains tracking points corresponding to the intima in each two-dimensional ultrasound image data from the result of 2DT processing of the two-dimensional ultrasound image data of each of a plurality of cross sections of the same time phase. (Ie, the position of the contour of the lumen). The volume information calculation unit 17b is a modification method of “disc summation method (Simpson method)” that estimates the lumen volume (V) from the position of the contour of the lumen, and the three-dimensional lumen shape. Approximately calculated by “modified-Simpson method”. 16A and 16B are diagrams for explaining a volume information calculation unit according to the third embodiment.

When two-dimensional scanning of each of the two cross sections of the A4C plane and the A2C plane is performed, the volume information calculation unit 17b, for example, converts the A4C image and the A2C image of the same time phase into 20 disks perpendicular to the long axis, etc. Divide. Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, the volume information calculation unit 17b determines the distance between two points where the i-th disk of the A4C image intersects the intima surface (see _ai in the figure) and the i-th disk of the A2C image. The distance between two points at which the disc intersects the intimal surface (see b _i in the figure) is calculated. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b approximates the three-dimensional shape of the lumen of the i-th disk as an ellipsoidal slice having a major axis and a minor axis estimated from “a _i ” and “b _i ”. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the sum of the volumes of the 20 ellipsoids as volume information approximating the lumen volume. Thereby, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of volume information.

  When two-dimensional scanning is performed on each of the A4C surface, the A3C surface, and the A2C surface, the volume information calculation unit 17b, for example, converts each of the A4C image, the A3C image, and the A2C image to 20 disks perpendicular to the long axis. Divide. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b includes two positions where the i-th disk of the A4C image intersects the intima surface, two positions where the i-th disk of the A3C image intersects the intima surface, and A2C The position of the two points where the i-th disc of the image intersects the intima plane is acquired. Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b determines the lumen shape of the i-th disk from, for example, the obtained positions of the six points by, for example, “Spline interpolation” (see the dotted closed curve shown in FIG. 16B). Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b approximates the three-dimensional shape of the lumen in the i-th disk as a slice of a column having the Spline closed curve as an upper surface and a lower surface. The volume information calculation unit 17b calculates the sum of the volumes of the 20 columnar bodies as volume information that approximates the lumen volume. Thereby, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time-series data of volume information. The time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates the first time series data by performing time differentiation of the time series data of the volume information, and the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the first extreme value from the first time series data. “(DV / dt) e” is detected. The extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the ES time phase for detecting the first extreme value by the method described in the first embodiment.

  The wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the third embodiment generates time series data of wall motion information in each cross section. Note that the types of wall motion information and the definition region of wall motion information in the third embodiment are basically the same as those in the second embodiment.

  Here, when the wall motion information defined by one cross section is set as the wall motion information in the second region of interest, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c according to the third embodiment Generate time series data of wall motion information. For example, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c generates time series data of wall motion information on the A4C plane (for example, an average value of wall motion information at two locations). In such a case, the time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates second time series data by performing time differentiation of the time series data of one wall motion information output from the wall motion information calculation unit 17c, and detects extreme values. The unit 17e detects the second extreme value “SRe” from the second time series data. The extreme value detection unit 17e detects the second extreme value using the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected. Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value by dividing the first extreme value by the second extreme value.

  On the other hand, when the wall motion information defined by each of a plurality of cross sections is set as the wall motion information in the second region of interest, in the third embodiment, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c changes to the time change rate calculation unit 17d. The output form of the output data is roughly divided into the following two output forms.

  When performing the first output mode, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c uses time series data obtained by averaging the time series data of the wall motion information of each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups as time series data of the wall motion information. Calculate as For example, in the first output mode, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c performs the LS time-series data of the A4C plane (for example, the time-series data of the average value of the LS at two locations on the A4C plane) and the LS time of the A2C plane. Series data (for example, time series data of an average value of LS at two locations on the A2C plane) is calculated. Then, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time-series data of an average value (S ′) of the LS time-series data of the A4C plane and the LS time-series data of the A2C plane.

  The time change rate calculation unit 17d that has received the time series data of the average wall motion information from the wall motion information calculation unit 17c performs the time differentiation of the “time series data of S ′” to thereby obtain the second time series data (SR ′ The extreme value detection unit 17e detects the second extreme value “SR′e” from the second time series data (SR ′ time series data). The extreme value detection unit 17e detects the second extreme value using the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected. Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value by dividing the first extreme value by the second extreme value.

  On the other hand, when performing the 2nd output form, wall motion information calculation part 17c calculates time series data of a plurality of wall motion information corresponding to each of a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic image data groups. Then, the time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates a plurality of second time series data from each of the time series data of the plurality of wall motion information. Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates, as the second extreme value, a value obtained by averaging the extreme values at the early stage of expansion detected in each of the plurality of second time series data. For example, in the second output mode, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates LS time-series data of the A4C plane and LS time-series data of the A2C plane. Then, the time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates, for example, second time series data on the A4C plane and second time series data time series data on the A2C plane as the second time series data.

  Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e detects, for example, an extreme value in the early expansion of the second time-series data on the A4C plane and an extreme value in the early expansion of the second time-series data on the A2C plane. The extreme value detection unit 17e detects, for example, the extreme values of the second time series data on the A4C plane and the second time series data on the A2C plane using the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected. Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the second extreme value “SR′e” by averaging the extreme value of the second time-series data on the A4C plane and the extreme value of the second time-series data on the A2C plane. To do. Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value by dividing the first extreme value by the second extreme value.

  The first output form is suitable for obtaining an average peak value in which the influence of an extremely bad region is reduced when the heart motion is extremely bad locally, as in the case of myocardial infarction. It is thought that there is. On the other hand, the second output form includes a difference between regions in an asynchronous case such as a left leg block in which the value of local wall motion information varies and the peak time varies between regions. It seems to be suitable for obtaining an overall peak value.

  The index value calculated by the index value calculation unit 17f is displayed on the monitor 2 or output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18.

  Note that the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the third embodiment may further calculate the left ventricular ejection fraction from the time series data of the lumen volume calculated by approximation. In addition, the volume information calculation unit 17b according to the third embodiment further calculates an approximate value of the volume inside the outer membrane from the 2DT processing result, so that the myocardial volume, myocardial weight, and approximate Mass-Index are calculated. A value may be calculated. The left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial volume, myocardial weight, Mass-Index approximate value, etc. calculated by the volume information calculation unit 17b are displayed on the monitor 2 or output to an external device under the control of the control unit 18 together with the index value. Or

  Next, processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 illustrates an example of processing when the first output form is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment determines whether or not a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group for each of a plurality of cross-sections to be processed has been specified and an index value calculation request has been received. Determination is made (step S301). Here, when an index value calculation request is not received (No in step S301), the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus waits until an index value calculation request is received.

  On the other hand, when an index value calculation request is received (Yes at Step S301), the image acquisition unit 17a acquires a two-dimensional ultrasound image data group for each of the specified plurality of cross sections (Step S302). Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b performs a two-dimensional speckle tracking process on each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasonic image data groups (step S303).

  Then, the volume information calculation unit 17b calculates time series data of the lumen volume (V) by approximation (step S304), and the time change rate calculation unit 17d calculates the time series data of the lumen volume (V). Thus, the time series data (first time series data) of the time rate of change (dV / dt) of the lumen volume is calculated by performing the conversion by time differentiation (step S305). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “(dV / dt) e” at the early stage of expansion of dV / dt as the first extreme value (step S306). In addition, in step S306, the extreme value detection unit 17e estimates the time phase of the early expansion in the first time series data using the time phase in which the lumen volume is minimized.

  In parallel with the processing of Step S304 to Step S306, the wall motion information calculation unit 17c calculates time series data of the wall motion information of each of the plurality of cross sections, and averages the time series data of the plurality of wall motion information. Thus, time series data of the average wall motion information (S ′) is calculated. (Step S307). Then, the time change rate calculating unit 17d performs time differential conversion on the time series data of the average wall motion information, so that the time series data (second time) of the time change rate (SR ′) of the average wall motion information is obtained. (Series data) is calculated (step S308). Then, the extreme value detection unit 17e calculates the peak value “SRe” in the early expansion of SR as the second extreme value (step S309). It should be noted that the extreme value detection unit 17e performs the process of step S309 using the detected time phase of the first extreme value after performing step S306.

  Then, the index value calculation unit 17f calculates the index value “(dV / dt) e / SRe” (step S310), outputs the index value under the control of the control unit 18 (step S311), and ends the process. .

  As described above, in the third embodiment, by using a plurality of two-dimensional moving image data in which temporal resolution and spatial resolution are ensured, a value corresponding to “e ′” compared to the second embodiment. Can be more “overall value”, and the possibility that an error is included in the value corresponding to “e ′” can be reduced. In the third embodiment, the approximate accuracy of the lumen volume can be improved by using a plurality of two-dimensional moving image data as compared with the second embodiment.

  The method described in the third embodiment may be applied when the totality of the value corresponding to “e ′” is more important than the simultaneity of the values corresponding to “E” and “e ′”. Is preferred. For example, in the case of a case where the heartbeat period is constant, the simultaneity of the values corresponding to “E” and “e ′” is ensured to some extent. Therefore, the method described in the third embodiment is effective when the heart rate period is constant as in myocardial infarction, but there is a local shape change and the accuracy decreases when V is estimated from the result of only one cross section. Can function.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second modified example according to the first embodiment, an automatic contour detection technique may be applied instead of the 2DT process. In the process performed in this modification, the process in step S302 shown in FIG. 17 is replaced with an automatic contour detection process.

  In the third embodiment, 2DT is performed using a plurality of short axis images instead of a plurality of long axis images, and volume information is acquired by interpolating and synthesizing the contour position of the lumen. The wall motion information (CS or RS is preferable) defined from the axis image may be acquired from a plurality of cross sections. In this modification, it is desirable to synthesize a short-axis image of about three to seven cross-sections having different levels with respect to the long axis in order to increase the estimation accuracy of the volume.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where processing for an ultrasound image data group is performed in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the image processing methods described in the first to third embodiments described above may be performed by an image processing apparatus installed independently of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, the image processing apparatus receives the ultrasonic image data group received from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the PACS database, or the database of the electronic medical chart system, and executes the above-described image processing method.

  The image processing methods described in the first to third embodiments can be realized by executing an image processing program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This image processing program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The image processing program is recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a flash memory such as a USB memory and an SD card memory. It can also be executed by being read from a non-transitory recording medium by a computer.

  As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, an index value that accurately reflects the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure can be calculated.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic probe 2 Monitor 3 Input device 4 Electrocardiograph 10 Apparatus main body 11 Transmission / reception part 12 B mode processing part 13 Doppler processing part 14 Image generation part 15 Image memory 16 Internal storage part 17 Image processing part 17a Image acquisition part 17b Volume information Calculation unit 17c Wall motion information calculation unit 17d Time change rate calculation unit 17e Extreme value detection unit 17f Index value calculation unit 18 Control unit

Claims (19)

An image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more;
A volume information calculation unit that calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group;
A wall motion information calculating unit that calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group;
First time series data that is time series data of time change rate of volume information is calculated from time series data of volume information, and time series data of time change rate of wall motion information is calculated from time series data of wall motion information. A time change rate calculating unit for calculating certain second time-series data;
An extreme value detection unit that detects an extreme value in the early extension of the first time series data as a first extreme value, and detects an extreme value in the early extension of the second time series data as a second extreme value;
An index value calculation unit that calculates an index value using the first extreme value and the second extreme value;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The image acquisition unit acquires a three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more,
The volume information calculation unit calculates time-series data of the volume information from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image data group,
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of the wall motion information from the three-dimensional ultrasound image data group. The image acquisition unit acquires a two-dimensional ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonic scanning a predetermined cross section of the heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more,
The volume information calculation unit calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest of the left ventricle from the two-dimensional ultrasound image data group,
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the two-dimensional ultrasound image data group. The image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups corresponding to the plurality of cross sections as the predetermined cross section,
The volume information calculation unit calculates time series data of the volume information from the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups,
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of the wall motion information from the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups.   The extreme value detection unit, when detecting the first extreme value, estimates a time phase in an early stage of expansion in the first time series data using a time phase in which the volume information is minimized. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described.   The extreme value detecting unit estimates a time phase in an early stage of expansion in the second time-series data using the time phase at which the first extreme value is detected when detecting the second extreme value. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 5.   The ultrasonic diagnosis according to claim 1, wherein the volume information calculation unit performs the volume information calculation process using a result of tracking the position of the first region of interest by a process including pattern matching between image data. apparatus.   2. The hypermotion according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit performs the wall motion information calculation processing using a result of tracking the position of the second region of interest by processing including pattern matching between image data. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the volume information calculation unit performs the volume information calculation process using a result of detecting a position of a lumen boundary as the first region of interest.   The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit performs a calculation process of the wall motion information using a result of detecting a position of a lumen boundary as the second region of interest.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates at least one of strain and an intima area change rate as the wall motion information.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates at least a displacement as the wall motion information.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates wall motion information of the entire left ventricle as wall motion information in the second region of interest.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall motion information calculation unit calculates wall motion information of a valve portion of the left ventricle as wall motion information in the second region of interest.   The wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data obtained by averaging time series data of wall motion information of each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups as time series data of the wall motion information. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to 1. The wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of a plurality of wall motion information corresponding to each of the plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound image data groups,
The time change rate calculating unit calculates a plurality of second time series data from each of the time series data of the plurality of wall motion information,
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the extreme value detection unit calculates, as the second extreme value, a value obtained by averaging the extreme values detected in each of the plurality of second time-series data at an early expansion stage.   The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the volume information calculation unit further calculates at least one of a left ventricular ejection fraction and a myocardial weight from time series data of the volume information. An image acquisition unit that acquires an ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more;
A volume information calculation unit that calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group;
A wall motion information calculating unit that calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group;
First time series data that is time series data of time change rate of volume information is calculated from time series data of volume information, and time series data of time change rate of wall motion information is calculated from time series data of wall motion information. A time change rate calculating unit for calculating certain second time-series data;
An extreme value detection unit that detects an extreme value in the early extension of the first time series data as a first extreme value, and detects an extreme value in the early extension of the second time series data as a second extreme value;
An index value calculation unit that calculates an index value using the first extreme value and the second extreme value;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An image acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image data group generated by ultrasonically scanning a heart including at least the left ventricle in a period of one heartbeat or more;
A volume information calculation unit calculates time-series data of volume information in the first region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group,
A wall motion information calculation unit calculates time series data of wall motion information in the second region of interest of the left ventricle from the ultrasound image data group,
The time change rate calculating unit calculates first time series data that is time series data of the time change rate of the volume information from the time series data of the volume information, and the time of the wall motion information from the time series data of the wall motion information Calculate the second time series data that is the time series data of the rate of change,
An extreme value detection unit detects an extreme value in the early expansion of the first time series data as a first extreme value, detects an extreme value in the early expansion of the second time series data as a second extreme value,
An index value calculator calculates an index value using the first extreme value and the second extreme value;
An image processing method.

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